Detours

Things would get pretty confusing if we all had our own detour sign...
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Ever wish God put up a big neon sign that read, "Don't go there!  This way!" or "Detour!"  I do.  Oh the hours I could've spent doing better things, or simply focusing on healthy things like painting, exercising, taking photos... 

Then there's the times I wonder if I should've ever gone into office work.  I would be so much further ahead than I am today in my art and photography.  But there's that verse!
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 "Forget the former things;
       do not dwell on the past.
 19 See, I am doing a new thing!
       Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
       I am making a way in the desert
       and streams in the wasteland."

No doubt there were reasons He led me into business,  maybe even some ministry I've forgotten or didn't notice Him doing.  I shouldn't have any regrets.  He's the Master.  Today is the day isn't it?  The day to step away from the things that bind us, fears, unbelief, memories of things that have gone wrong.  It's the day to take detours and go down the path He has for us.

Proverbs 4:10-19

These directions are actually quite clear.
10 Dear friend, take my advice;
it will add years to your life.
11 I'm writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way,
I'm drawing a map to Righteous Road.
12 I don't want you ending up in blind alleys,
or wasting time making wrong turns.
13 Hold tight to good advice; don't relax your grip.
Guard it well — your life is at stake!
14 Don't take Wicked Bypass;
don't so much as set foot on that road.
15 Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth.
Make a detour and be on your way.
Ok.  So, evil=run!  good=relax...  hmmm that sounds clear.  Kind of makes me wonder if some of those traffic jams and annoying delays, have God's approval to keep us out of trouble.

I got myself into the most trouble when I was younger, like most young people.  I wanted to be cool and liked.  It does seem like we never slept, just stayed up as late as we could.
16 Evil people are restless unless they're making trouble;
They can't get a good night's sleep
unless they've made life miserable for somebody.
17 Perversity is their food and drink, violence their drug of choice.


This is beautiful.  If we live right, we "glow with light." Even brighter as we get older : )
18 The ways of right-living people glow with light;
the longer they live, the brighter they shine.

Ouch!  This is about as painful a description as I experienced.  So, glad the Lord kept working on me and helping walk straighter and stronger.
19 But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker —
travelers can't see a thing;
they fall flat on their faces.
THE MESSAGE

Here's two of my favorite Bible Stories about detours.

Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife.  You just don't hear things like this in the News.
Genesis 39:11-12
11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.
NIV

Jesus walked through the angry crowd that was ready to throw Him off a cliff.  It must've been amazing to see, He could've sent all of them off the cliff. 
Luke 4:28-30
28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
NIV

Sorry to be so random with my posting dates lately.  I went for my medical exam and at my age I get to meet a whole bunch of other doctors : )  It's called "wellness care" so glad I'm healthy- must be really bad if you're not!  Maybe it's a ministry opportunity.  My goal is to post Monday, Wednesday and Friday.   God bless!   Karen

Word-filled Wednesday

Dogs have this verse memorized!
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I know God has a sense of humor, I've experienced it, and seen it.  Just look at dogs.  The Master calls and they jump!  When they are treated well, they wiggle all over and slurp when people come to visit.  They don't worry about what people look like or talk like, they just slurp and wiggle.  They never worry about their hair. The only time they worry is when the food dish is empty.  Usually, they don't let that phase them.  They know how to let the Master know.  It's really like this for us too.  I think I think too much...  There's so many things to worry about- but I really enjoy having fun : )  The simple truth dogs demonstrate is straight from Heaven.  God works all things out for good, we just need to trust, love, and obey Him.  Even when things seem a bit odd around us.

I took this photo when I was out walking and shooting on a trail.  I had been wondering and praying to God to make sure He wanted me in photography.  A woman, I'd never seen before, stopped me and asked what magazine I work for.  I was just working on an online newspaper at the time.  So she smiled and said, "Take my dog's photo.  I want her to be famous." 

It was incredibly encouraging.  How could I resist?  And such a beautiful dog as well. : )






Challenge sponsored by Katie Lloyd Photography.

Challenge sponsored by Internet Cafe Devotions.

Biblical prophecy?

New Jersey, East Coast USA, Weather Report 2011
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I woke up my husband the other morning by jumping up and down on the bed, saying, "Honey!  We have everything in New Jersey!  Earthquakes!"  Then I exclaimed, "Tropical Storms!" and I squirted him with the squirt gun.  Then I said, "Oh and blizzards! Let me go get some ice."  He laughed the whole time, but at the thought of ice he jumped out of bed and yelled, "NO!"  and chased me a bit. : )

I'm taking a detour from the Proverbs today.  After the hurricane, I called up my Dad and brother to let them know we were ok.  Both of them asked me the same question.  "Isn't this like a Biblical Prophecy or something?"  It's hard because there's some bad stuff in the prophecy, people will die, this earth will end.  My brother asked if God was mad at us and going to part the sea, or turn everything to blood.  So I told him, "No.  That was Pharaoh who tried to be God.  Although Obama might want to cool his jets a little.  This is about the second coming of Christ."

To be honest the Biblical Prophecies have been so misunderstood for so many years.  I usually like to avoid them.  But when I heard my Dad and brother's concerns I thought maybe others would want to know as well.  So I'll do my best with it- there's some bad news and some great news.  The first thing to point out is America isn't mentioned in the Bible.  Russia, the middle east nations, Europe are all there, but not us.  Don't know if that's good or bad.  

This is what Jesus said:
6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matt 24:6-14 NKJV

This is one of the most important things Jesus said for us today.  If you hear predictions about the date of Christ's return, don't believe it- it's definitely false.  People have been predicting the return of Christ for centuries.  We just don't know the day of His return.  People thought Hitler was the anti-christ.  He fooled many into thinking he was looking out for the good of people.  Until the horrible truth was revealed.  The swastika is still a symbol of horror to many of us, the broken cross.  We need to really think about leaders who seem too good to be true, so it won't happen again.

36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be."
Matt 24:36-37 NKJV

Jesus wants us to keep busy loving others and looking out for each other until He comes.  Of course, there's an urgency to share our faith.  There's some words of warning here for those who would speak or do evil in Jesus' Name.
45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ 49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 24:45-51 NIV

And the good news!  There is also the hope that we will be raptured as Christians, before the great tribulation happens.  I hope we will be able to skip it.
10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
Revelation 3:10 NIV

11 God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! 12 We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, 13 and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. 14 He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
Titus 2:11-14 THE MESSAGE

13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV

The heart of the truth about Jesus desire- not to destroy the earth.  But to save the people.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
John 3:16-17 NKJV

None of us are perfect.  If we claim to be, that would be a sin.
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23 NKJV

He wants to forgive us.  He really does.  He's not waiting for us to mess up, He's waiting for us to confess.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 NKJV

Some people are saying America is cursed because Obama told Israel to change their borders.  I don't believe that's true.  If these folks would open their eyes to the rest of the world they would notice the earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan, the famine and drought in Africa, the volcano in Iceland erupting, the typhoons, earthquakes and tornadoes in the US, Australia and New Zealand.  There's a much bigger picture here.  I really don't think America is as important as we think we are.  However, we are a nation of many nationalities, religions, and Christians.   I am very concerned about our country's involvement in the middle-east.  The long term affects concern me.  Some say the US isn't in the Bible because many of us will be raptured.  I hope so, but it could also be that we are considered part of the West, Europe.

I looked up the New Jersey blizzards, earthquakes, and hurricanes on the web and found the first recordings:
1888 Blizzard that knocked out the east coast
1783 Earthquake in New Jersey
21 recorded hurricanes have hit New Jersey

None of this is new.  The strange thing- all that's happened in this particular year.  That's why I look to Heaven and wonder if He's coming soon.  I'll keep waiting and working. 
Matt 24:6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

If you want me to share more or have questions, feel free to leave a comment.  Or if you thought of something else please share it!  This is just scratching the surface.

Word-filled Wednesday

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Sometimes things seem most impossible at night when I'm trying to get to sleep.  This is one of my favorite verses.  God promises to guide us, His love is unfailing.  Each day is a new day to start fresh on dreams and projects.  There are days I get up and pray, "Today is a new day Lord, help me do great things in Your name."

I never wrote the reason why I created this still life in my original post.  The Bible was my Grandmother's.  After she died, the family was looking for treasures to take home.  I saw the Bible and had to have it.  Grandma always tried to go to Church on Sunday, it's from the early 1900's.  The compass, is for my studies of astronomy.  When I learned the constellations are the same today as when Jesus walked the earth, I fell more in love with watching the stars.  Also, God knows all the stars by name.  It's also the symbol of the lost finding their way in the wilderness.  The stylus (pen) points to the Bible (in photography it's called a leading line), so many times the Bible says, "write this down. Remember it."  The gold ink, symbolizes the riches in God's Word.  The map, symbolizes the complexity of this world, the verse promises God will show us the way.




Challenge sponsored by Katie Lloyd Photography.

Challenge sponsored by Internet Cafe Devotions.

Sitting at His feet

Priorities are so hard to decide on sometimes.  Someone wisely taught me that my priorities should go like this:

1. Jesus
2. Family
3. (no prioritization here- just 1 clump) Work, Church, fun and chores

1.  Jesus
I was so confused.  How could Jesus be more important than my family or Church!!?  But, then I listened more.  If I am right with Jesus, He is able to show me He is my Savior and Lord.  Once we accept Him, as Lord and Savior, He never leaves us.  I listen to Him by reading His Word, the Bible.  Then I praise Him, and pray for myself and others.  When I get too busy for Him, I am agitated by little things, I get down on myself easier.  The devil has a foothold in my life.  Not that I'm perfect after I sit at His feet!  No way!  But I am steady.  It's not about just knowing I'm loved.  It's about knowing God has a plan, that no matter what my circumstances, I'm still of value to Him.  I was created to be of value.  Then I can contribute to the Church and serve my family.

2.  Family
My family is my second priority.  I need to make sure my husband has breakfast, clean clothes, and knows he is loved.  I need to keep in touch with my brother and his family.  I'm the only Christian they know.  Sometimes I wonder why on earth that weird uncle is in my family- but God knows why.  He put him there.  If I had kids, it would be important that I train them up in the ways of God- and take good care of them.  But I'm much more fun and happy after my time with the Lord.

3.  Church, Work, Fun and Chores
Church and Work can turn into obligations that distract us from serving God, from our relationship with Him.  Work can be the place we go to get our sense of value instead of God.  The problem is sometimes you're amazing and sometimes you're a failure at work, people change their minds quickly.  It's a roller coaster ride for your ego.  Church is a place we worship as a community, work a place to earn money to pay our way- not our reason for living or the place we get our self-esteem.  Money is a tool for survival, the more we have the more we worry about losing it.  Fun to me is as or more important than vitamins- I'm still a kid at heart.  And chores?  Our mansions will be clean in Heaven!  Yay!  Until then, it's much easier to clean a clean house than a dirty one...  I better keep cleaning.  With God, I'm not left on my own to figure out if I'm ok or not.  He provides what most of us truly desire, "contentment."  And with my eyes off me, I can truly worship at Church, learn, sing, meet people, help others and grow.  My husband sits proudly by my side. It's not like that at all when we have intense fellowship on the way to Church...  Contentment, God's gift to us when we are wise.

And to find contentment it takes the presence of Jesus, and wisdom.

Proverbs 4:1-9

I envision a wonderful old man sitting us down to listen to his words.  He has glasses, short gray hair, and a few wrinkles on his face, his plaid shirt is cleanly pressed by his wife's loving hands.
1 Listen, friends, to some fatherly advice;
sit up and take notice so you'll know how to live.
2 I'm giving you good counsel;
don't let it go in one ear and out the other.

3 When I was a boy at my father's knee,

the pride and joy of my mother, 

4 He would sit me down and drill me:

"Take this to heart. 

Do what I tell you — live! 

5 Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding!

Don't forget one word! 

Don't deviate an inch! 

6 Never walk away from Wisdom — she guards your life;

love her — she keeps her eye on you.
7 Above all and before all, do this: 

Get Wisdom!

Write this at the top of your list:
Get Understanding! 

8 Throw your arms around her — believe me, you won't regret it;

never let her go — she'll make your life glorious. 

9 She'll garland your life with grace,

she'll festoon your days with beauty."
THE MESSAGE

Just like the days of Mary and Martha, Jesus is still waiting for us to sit at His feet, read His Word and listen.  The room would've had clay walls with light coming through the windows.  Everyone in robes, with wide-eyed Mary kneeling before Jesus as He spoke.  Women weren't supposed to interrupt the men in this time period.  She just couldn't help herself from listening to Him, such wisdom.  Maybe she felt the warmth and love I feel in my quiet times with Him.

Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
NIV

Blogger Awards

Ok.  So this is a bit embarrassing.  I have been blessed so many times doing this blog- as I write I'm learning, and the comments always make me want to do more.  Sometimes you get me thinking.  My last post made me think about graciously receiving compliments and encouragement...  And, well, I have received several awards from my dear friends.  I am so sorry for not putting them out.  Part of it was laziness, and also busyness, maybe a little wondering if awards belong here.  I realized yesterday that if I were a mechanic and someone gave me an award, I'd smile, say thanks, then hang it on my wall to remember such a kind gesture.  I also owe it to the community to pass them on to others.  So here goes.  Let me know if I miss anyone or mess up on the rules. : )

Thanks be to God for giving me so many gifts and talents, for my friends, and prayers for wisdom that I might use these talents to help others and earn a little money for our family.

I received this award from my dear friend Lisa @ My Heart's Home.  Thank you Lisa, you are a blessing to me and I love your blog.  I'd give it to you, for the music, insight and verses you share.  I also enjoy the family stories.  So glad we became friends. : )  I pass on the Style award to you.

Versatility to me means variety.  If I chose you and you'd rather not put awards on your blog, no worries.  I would like to pass this on to you:

• Glynn @ Faith, Fiction, Friends your blog has everything from Christian book reviews, to your own poems, studies on CS Lewis and more.  Thank you for challenging me and inspiring me to dabble in poetry.
• Clint @ Lyrics of Love and Lore  I never know what to expect on your blog!  Sometimes profound Christian thoughts, and sometimes funny stories.  Always a gentle humor and wisdom about you.
• Murugi @ Her World you have shown us wonderful photos of Africa, even animals I've never seen before.  Recently you let us know about the tragedy in Somalia, so we could pray.  You handled it with compassion and professionalism.  You are indeed versatile.  /applause
• Colleen @ Carpe Diem, Gorgeous!  you are delightful.  I love our friendship.  And also am enjoying watching you find your writer's voice.  You are another one I'm not sure what I'll find on your blog and always enjoy.
• Sheila @ Sheila Scribbles I see you already have the award, but I would've given it to you today.  You are like the fun girl in school everyone wanted to be around.  You come up with great creative ideas- and stories.
• Katie @ Katie Lloyd Photography Katie put together the Scripture & a Snapshot Challenge which is a wonderful idea. Like me, she also does professional photography so she has two sites in one. You are creative, versatile and inspiring. Thanks so much for Scripture & a Snapshot.

God bless you all!

Here's the embarrassing part. I received this award from Clint @ Lyrics of Love and Lore, Sheila @ Sheila Scribbles, and Murugi @ Her World .  (blush)  Thank you all so much.  I do appreciate your kindness so sorry I'm just putting it out.

Stylish to me means something unique and classy.  Again, if you'd rather not post the award, no problem.  I would like to pass this on to:

• Joy @ Christ is livin' I almost forgot to include you!  But you are wise beyond your years and right on.  I enjoy reading your blog and the music and artwork you use.
• Dakota @ A Look at Life from a Deerstand Dakota is wise beyond his years in Bible Study and a photographer.  We have a lot in common.  Your blog is straight forward and easy to read yet very powerful.  I like your style, insight and your photos!
• David @ Red Letter Believers  Your style is very simple yet extremely powerful.  You make me think, that's a good thing.  And I find encouragement there.  Thanks!
• boromax @ Shots that Snap!  I really enjoy your photography style. You find patterns and simple ideas that are so interesting.  I'll always remember your "Empty chair" photos. 
• Matteo Taffuri @ Tuscan Landscapes (just hope you remember me after seeing his photos!)  Matteo has developed an incredible style for processing his photos from Tuscan Italy.  Your photos are beautiful having a painting quality of places I've never seen before.
• Mary Sandoval @ The Universal Language of Photography, Mary is one of my fellow students in NYIP.  I loved her most recent post including child and Mother photos.  Nice style Mary!
• Tanya De Leeuw @ Tanya De Leeuw Photography, Tanya is another of my NYIP friends.  She shoots in Canada and her style is also unique.  You do a very interesting vertical shot where most of mine are horizontal.  The scenery is gorgeous, another place I've never been.

(All of these blogs look very stylish, designed carefully and thoughtfully.  Designed with a unique purpose in mind).

God bless!  Thanks for your inspiration and hard work.  Round of applause!!!!

If you'd like to post the award you were given on your site:

1. Click the award image.
2. Right click it on the page that displays.
3. Save it on your computer.
4. Upload like you would any image to your blog. 

Ok 5 things you probably don't know about me (this is part of the rules for accepting an award):

1. I've lived in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah, and New Jersey (life is interesting what can I say?).
2. I'm 5'8" with a high pitched squeaky voice, so when you read my blog you can imagine my voice.
3. My favorite food is either Mexican or Italian, can't decide.
4. My favorite color is brown.
5. I learned to ride a bike when I got mad at my big brother, jumped on the bike and started pedaling.  Kind of how I've been learning things ever since, jumping in and hoping for the best.

Lose the chip

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

From my years of anger, I can definitely say it's not worth it.  It just makes you empty and miserable.  It brought bad choices that hurt others and myself.  I saw this saying on a paper towel and really liked it:  "Forgive others. Forgive yourself."  Sometimes I tell myself  "Forgive and forget and move on."  I must confess though sometimes the hardest person to forgive is myself.  That's probably pride, thinking more highly of myself than I should, and then being extremely disappointed.  Sometimes we think humility is self-hate.  But that's not what it's about.  Being humble is to consider others as more important, not better.  It's learning to be selfless when I help others, to listen without changing the subject to me.  A challenge for sure!

Jesus quoted this verse from Leviticus.  It says to love others as yourself, not to hate yourself.  If we confess our sins, He'll forgive us.  Seems like we should too.

Leviticus 19:18
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."
NIV

There used to be a thing called "worm theology."  The belief that we are lower than worms and completely worthless.  I've honestly never read anything like that in the Bible.  God loves us so much He died for us.  If we were worms, we'd be fish food.

Proverbs 3:30-35

30 Don't walk around with a chip on your shoulder,

always spoiling for a fight.

31 Don't try to be like those who shoulder their way through life.

Why be a bully?

Anger really does twist our souls, and sets our imaginations in really bad directions.  It's good to get angry, a very human emotion.  It's bad to hold on to it tighter than love.
32 "Why not?" you say. Because God can't stand twisted souls.
It's the straightforward who get his respect.

We know God hates the proud, He loves the meek, humble, the persecuted.  Think about a world where everyone says, "Thank you," "Excuse me," "I'm sorry," "You can have it.  I'll wait."  After I became a Christian I got very polite.  It's actually quite fun to see people's faces light up when I say, "Thank you."  We've lost that in our society.
33 God's curse blights the house of the wicked,

but he blesses the home of the righteous.

There's nothing like being down to make me humble.  That's when God can help the most.
34 He gives proud skeptics a cold shoulder,

but if you're down on your luck, he's right there to help.

35 Wise living gets rewarded with honor;

stupid living gets the booby prize.

THE MESSAGE